to pressure / to weigh on
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to pressure
To put pressure on someone in an intrusive and unpleasant way, often through repeated requests, questions, or physical closeness.
Die Journalisten bedrängten die Schauspielerin nach der Premiere mit persönlichen Fragen.
The journalists pressured the actress with personal questions after the premiere.
'Bedrängen' (to pressure / to weigh on) is an inseparable verb because it begins with the prefix 'be-'. The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb 'drängen' in all tenses and sentence constructions.
Er fühlte sich von dem Verkäufer sehr bedrängt.
He felt very pressured by the salesperson.
This verb always requires an accusative object. You always 'bedrängt' (pressure) 'jemanden' (someone) or 'etwas' (something).
Bitte bedränge mich nicht mit deinen ständigen Anrufen!
Please don't pressure me with your constant calls!
When people put pressure on someone (e.g., journalists, fans), the first meaning is meant. When abstract things such as worries, debts, or problems represent a burden, the second, figurative meaning is meant.
Die finanziellen Sorgen bedrängen ihn Tag und Nacht.
The financial worries weigh on him day and night.
to force
'zwingen' and 'bedrängen' can both mean that someone is under pressure. 'zwingen' is stronger: a person is supposed to do something even though they do not want to, often through power, force, or a clear obligation. 'bedrängen' is more about putting unpleasant pressure on someone, for example through many questions, requests, or too much physical closeness. You can 'bedrängen' someone without really forcing them. Learners confuse the words because both have to do with pressure. If there is hardly any choice left in the end, 'zwingen' fits. If the pressure is intrusive and burdensome, but not necessarily final, 'bedrängen' fits.
Vor der Reise bedrängt Anna ihren Bruder mit vielen Fragen.
Before the trip, Anna pressures her brother with lots of questions.
Die Eltern zwingen ihren Sohn nicht, Medizin zu studieren.
The parents are not forcing their son to study medicine.